Are you burdened by escalating utility bills this summer? To slash AC costs without sacrificing comfort, you should adopt energy-saving routines, implement low-cost changes and make strategic long-term investments. Here are 15 proven techniques to try.
Adopt Good Energy Habits
Cutting air conditioning costs may be easier than you imagine. Here are some completely free ways to ease your monthly electricity bills:
1. Keep curtains and blinds closed: Around 76 percent of the sunlight that beats down on standard double-pane windows enters as heat. By shutting out the sun with insulating curtains and blinds over your south- and west-facing windows, you cut down on solar heat gain in the afternoon and reduce the need for air conditioning.
2. Turn up the temperature: You can save up to three percent on your air conditioning expenses for each degree you increase the temperature. Try setting your thermostat a bit higher than usual and operating a fan to make up the difference.
3. Flip off the lights when not in use: Lights, especially incandescent bulbs, make quite a lot of heat. Turning them off when you walk out of the space reduces the interior heat gain your AC must combat.
4. Use appliances prudently: Wait to use heat-generating appliances like the oven, dryer and dishwasher until the coolest part of the day. This strategy relieves some of your AC’s workload during the hot afternoon, bringing down your bill and boosting home comfort.
5. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans: Remove heat and humidity while cooking and showering to reduce the workload on your cooling system.
Invest in Low-Cost Upgrades
If you’re willing to invest a few dollars, you can put an even larger dent in your air conditioning spending. Here are some affordable upgrades to consider:
6. Purchase a programmable thermostat: If you still have a traditional thermostat, think about upgrading. A programmable thermostat automatically modifies the temperature depending on your daily schedule. You can slash AC costs by up to 10 percent by dialing the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. Thanks to automatic recovery periods, you can experience these savings without aggravation or discomfort.
7. Schedule regular maintenance: Your air conditioning requires regular checkups to ensure it runs effectively and efficiently. Maintenance visits every spring also provide a chance to find and take care of little issues before they grow into expensive repairs. This small, predictable cost provides a substantial return on investment through improved efficiency and helps your AC last as long as possible.
8. Seal leaks: In a large number of homes, leaky windows and doors are responsible for around 25 percent of its cooling energy use. Close off those troublesome leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
9. Add reflective window film: Window film reflects the sun’s rays to the outside, decreasing solar heat gain. This economical upgrade is a great way to enhance your older windows’ efficiency without updating them.
10. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs create almost no heat and utilize far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. These attributes help keep your home cooler and lower lighting costs as well.
Consider Long-Term Home Investments
If you’re ready93 to make more significant improvements, you may want to make the following investments to cut AC costs in the long run:
11. Insulate the attic: Hot air can leak through the ceiling if your attic is not properly insulated. Take a look inside the attic, and if you don’t see a substantial, even layer of insulation, consider adding more. Depending on what type of insulation you have, you may need to employ a professional for the job.
12. Plant trees for natural shade: Planting leafy trees on the south and west sides of your house obstructs sunlight and produces a cool microclimate around your home, naturally lowering your cooling needs.
13. Replace your windows: Old, single-pane windows let in quite a bit of heat, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. Replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows with advanced glazing features improves your home’s air-tightness and keeps the interior cooler.
14. Upgrade your AC system: Using an aging air conditioner hurts your wallet more than you might think. Upgrading from a decade-old 10 SEER model to a modern 15 SEER unit can save you 33 percent on your cooling bills. The savings opportunities of this purchase is even greater if you’re prepared to invest more up front.
15. Install solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your AC unit and other electric appliances. The ongoing expense reductions, combined with tax incentives available through 2035, make this a worthwhile investment.
Save More on Your AC in Columbia With Help From Midland Air Service Experts
At Midland Air Service Experts, we go the extra mile to deliver133 exceptional HVAC services that help reduce air conditioning costs in the long run. Because of our high-quality products, Expert knowledge and attention to detail, we feel confident backing our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about how we can help reduce your summer AC expenses, please reach out to the Experts at Midland Air Service Experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling 803-399-7208!